Icing reduces swelling and also numbs the area so it won’t be as painful for you. As the swelling goes down, gently press your ribs with your fingers, looking for a protrusion that might signal your rib is broken rather than merely bruised. If you suspect you have a broken rib, go ahead and have a doctor look at it. Though the treatment for broken ribs is usually the same as it is for bruised ones, it’s good to get a medical opinion.

Hold off on the ibuprofen until 48 hours after your injury—if you take it during the first couple of days, it can slow down healing. [4] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Most people can also use acetaminophen (Tylenol). But you shouldn’t use it if you have liver disease or reduced liver function. Don’t exceed the maximum dosages listed on the bottle unless your doctor advises you to do so.

Taking an OTC pain reliever can make this a bit easier for you if your ribs are hurting so badly you find you simply can’t breathe deeply.

If you’re already coughing quite a bit, this might not be something you need to worry about as much. Just make sure it’s a productive cough that’s actually helping clear your lungs (as opposed to a dry cough in your throat).

Soaking in a warm bath is also a great way to ease soreness and relax. The warmth eases the tension in the surrounding muscles and will probably make you feel a lot better overall.

If you need to, roll up a blanket or surround yourself with pillows so you’re not able to roll over to your injured side while you’re asleep. Finding a comfortable sleeping position can be one of the hardest things about having bruised ribs. Do what you need to do to relax before bed so you’re ready to fall asleep.

In the first couple of days after the injury, it’s usually best to call out of work and give your body the chance to start the healing process. Gentle activity speeds up the healing process—just don’t overdo it. Stop doing anything that makes your ribs hurt more than they did before.

Lung infection symptoms to look out for include fever, severe cough (especially if you’re coughing up yellow or green mucus, or blood), shortness of breath, and nausea. With bruised ribs, the pain and soreness is usually gone in about a week. You might want to see your doctor if your pain lingers longer than that, just to make sure you don’t have a fracture. [13] X Research source